Appendectomy in obese patients

Q; 48 years old morbidly obese patient is admitted to ICU with acute appendicitis. Laparoscopic appendectomy should be avoided?

A) True

B) False

Answer: B

Laparoscopic appendectomy is the recommended approach in obese patients with body mass index of >30 kg/m2. Evidence shows less postoperative wound infections/abscesses, shorter operative time and less hospital length of stay (LOS).

#surgical-critical-care

References:

1. Enochsson L, Hellberg A, Rudberg C, et al. Laparoscopic vs open appendectomy in overweight patients. Surg Endosc 2001; 15:387.

2. Mason RJ, Moazzez A, Moroney JR, Katkhouda N. Laparoscopic vs open appendectomy in obese patients: outcomes using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. J Am Coll Surg 2012; 215:88.

3. Ciarrocchi A, Amicucci G. Laparoscopic versus open appendectomy in obese patients: A meta-analysis of prospective and retrospective studies. J Minim Access Surg 2014; 10:4.